eet about the whole idea, making her question the decision to marry Carter. What if

a wise d

r, a woman who had divorced her ex-husband and was now marrying his cousin. Feeling her unease, Carter softly ran his fingers over her a

come sit besi

took the seat next to her. She was dressed in an expensive lace garment that fit perfectly. Her tennis bracelet twinkled un

dy. Iris couldn't help but feel out of place among the opulence, h

rst course served Iris made an effort to engage in the conversation around her, pushing aside her discomfort. S

rtha started, " How di

fabricated story Carter had coach

" Ollie said with a sarcasm laced in his voice. Ollie's eyes bore into her from

k in college. I was in fashion school and he would help with some of my projects. We went on

when we happened to run into each other at a jewellery store near Bukney

been waiting patiently all these years." Iris swallowed hard, her conscience pricking at the necessity of the deception. But th

er voice steady despite the turmoil within, "b

word carefully chosen to paint a picture of romance and destiny. As Iris spoke, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at deceiving Grandma Martha, whos

their hearts ached with the weight of their lies. As Iris spoke, she could see Grandma Martha's eyes soften with understanding. A sense of relief washed over her, lifting the burden of her lie ever so slightly. G

table. With each word she spoke, his disdain grew palpable, threatening to spill over into the carefully constructed facad

sneered, his lips curli

u say?" His words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the table as the other guests exchanged une

ntaneous," he quipped, his gaze never wavering from Iris' face. "Bu

vering stare, Iris took a deep breath, grounding herself in the present moment. She refused to let his negativity tarnish the evening or

derstand that you may have your doubts, but Carter and

Carter. Grandma Martha's voice carried a gentle warmth as she spoke, her eyes

her tone soft but sincere, "you remind m

surprise, touched by t

h curiosity. Grandma Martha nodded, her gaze

trength that I admire." Iris felt a swell of gratitude at Grandma Martha's words, a sense of validation washing over her like a warm embrace. To

me of my love for gardening. There's a certain beauty

le tugging at the c

nothing quite like the feeling of bringi

Carter's gaze softened as he intertwined his fingers with Iris's, a subtle gesture of affection an

, ma," Carter murmured, his

I could have hop

s. Iris noticed a strange glimmer in his eyes as he stared at her. This man must be a pro at acting! She thought. But deep down,

a flicker of excitement at the thought of getting to know him better. She had

. Even though Iris is a sight to look at and would make any man swoon ove

h of these lies

up. Rage clouded his eyes," Ma are you going to

", Grandma Martha sc

h disrespectful behaviour.", Carter said through grit

Ollie's face as he pro

ord, "She's a soon-to-be member of this family and I wouldn't want you harassing her in any way". Carter and Ollie

Carter said with a stern v

ave your best tux on cuz," Carter patted his